RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — GlaxoSmithKline on Thursday announced the five recipients of its annual GlaxoSmithKline IMPACT Awards. In total, the North Carolina and Philadelphia-area healthcare nonprofit organizations will receive $200,000 in grant funding ($40,000 each) for providing access to healthcare for the underserved in their communities.

"The GlaxoSmithKline IMPACT Award winners are helping to make their communities stronger and healthier," stated Mary Linda Andrews, director of community partnerships, GSK. "The dedicated teams of professionals and volunteers at these organizations are working in innovative ways to provide access to healthcare at a time when people need it most."

The following organizations will receive their awards at a ceremony on Dec. 11 in Research Triangle Park:

Piedmont Health Services and Sickle Cell Agency, Greensboro, N.C.

Restoration Place Ministries, Greensboro, N.C.

The Servant Center, Greensboro, N.C.

Triad Health Project, Greensboro, N.C.

Institute for Safe Families, Philadelphia

In North Carolina, GSK works in partnership with Durham-based Triangle Community Foundation, a grant-making organization that connects resources with needs through community-based philanthropy.

"Millions of Americans fall between the gaps and are not receiving the most basic healthcare services," stated Lori O'Keefe, COO at TCF. "Our partnership with GSK celebrates and supports groups that are filling those gaps and creating hope for thousands of members of our communities."

The GlaxoSmithKline IMPACT Awards — which stands for Innovation, Management, Partnership, Achievement, Community focus and Targeting needs of diverse and underserved populations — honor nonprofit organizations that have a significant impact on their communities and are capable, proactive and effective in their work.

To qualify for a GlaxoSmithKline IMPACT award, organizations must be located in the eligible counties and have a primary mission to provide access to community healthcare services. Each applicant must have annual total operating expenses between $160,000 and $3 million, and have been in existence as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization for at least five years.

All organizations are recognized for the success and achievements of their existing overall body of work, not just for new or specific initiatives. A panel of healthcare delivery experts and GlaxoSmithKline representatives determine the winners based on a strong demonstration of ongoing success in providing access to healthcare, commitment to serving people in need, facilitation of healthcare delivery, creative partnerships and policy development, and a solid record of achievement, management and leadership.